MY 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY DIARY

So for the first time ever, we had a bad spell with traffic meaning we got to the Manor Country House merely moments before running off for our anniversary dinner – no one to blame, just the entire M1! However as we weaved around the country roads to reveal black iron gates lit up with fairy lights felt incredibly comforting. Leaping out with weekend bags in arm to get straight up to our room to freshen up. As we were guided through the Manor House, it reminded me of my Grandparents extremely grand house back at home, with little doorways and secret corridors to reveal another wing of bedrooms. Our room was simply put; Royal, and oh so very grand! The Manor Country House prides itself in the restoration of old grand design, and maintaining a retreat thats both luxurious and traditional. Our bathroom was a whole corridor in itself, and beautifully laid out – in fact I’d go as far as saying it was one of the most stunning bathrooms I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing my makeup in. 

Skipping a mere 10 minutes ahead of time, before we departed from our beautiful room to have dinner. Clinking glasses to toast 5 wonderful years over candlelight, it was so romantic and made me think of how far as a couple we had come in 5 years. Their dinner comprised of a winter warming menu. One that has pan seared scallops, wild mushroom croquette and confit rabbit roulade to start. Whilst the mains me and Paddy had a field day with, as we wanted to try everything in the end, so we vouched for the Sous-Vide Beef Loin, as well as the Pan Seared Duck Breast. 

Their menus offer tasty and creative food, that’s perfect for a rustic fine dining experience.  Being only a stones throw away from the Cotswolds, it’s magnificence shines through in their dining services, with immaculate staff awaiting you at all times.  After we finished up our chocolate bomb desserts, we retreated off to a crackling fireplace for an evening tipple in the gentlemen’s spring country club with ornate leather chairs, and a room full of taxidermy – not tasteful in my personal opinion but after enquiring they said they pride themselves on the legacy of the Manor House and its past, however odd it is to hang foxes around. 

Eventually retreating back up to our room to finish off our drinks in bed, and cuddle. The bests were sheer bliss to sleep in, as well as being a bucket list moment to stay in a four poster bed. Arising early the next morning to eggs benedict in the dining room overlooking views of the grounds. We finally got the chance to explore the grounds, which included the tennis court, small hedge maze, as well as secret romantic spots that were destined to crawl up onto a dive into a good book whilst being surrounded by streams, chirping birds with total silence from the busy world.

For what seemed like a short lived trip, we had a beautiful time, spending every second with each other away from technology to indulge in pure romanticism. Getting away from your surroundings is one of the purest forms of therapy for the soul, and particularly enjoyed more when accompanied with someone to venture out with. A huge thank you to Manor Country House Hotel in Oxfordshire for treating us like royalty.